Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Poet of the Month--Paul Callus

The Poet Who Never Was

By Paul Callus

I thought I was a poet who had a pen of gold
With clear access to writing that was mature and bold.
I thought I could go roaming beside the foaming sea
And watch the seagulls gliding to give a show for free.

I thought I was a poet who walked along the beach
In awe I stood and wondered, my hand stretched out to reach
The silver thread dividing the water from the sky
And traced Selena’s features as slowly she went by.

I thought I was a poet who knew what joy could be
On hearing water roaring cascading down with glee.
I looked for inspiration, experienced utmost thrill
When climbing down the valley or up the verdant hill.

I thought I was a poet in charge of heat and cold
But lost my true emotions when I was duped and told
I had to reach perfection to please my heart and mind
By means of imitation. My soul I left behind.

I thought I was a poet who had a pen of gold
But now all of a sudden I’m weary, frail and old.
I thought I was a poet. My pen is of no use.
With teary eyes I whisper to my dejected muse.
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From the editor--It is an honor to announce that Paul Callus is October’s Poet of the Month.  He is a talented writer who writes in both Maltese and English.  He is an accomplished author, published in several venues.  Readers at Whispers enjoy his work.  Paul is an encouraging voice, leaving thoughtful comments for other contributors.  He has also written a collaborative poem with another writer which was featured at Whispers.  It is a pleasure to present Paul with this award!
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Thoughts on “The Poet Who Never Was”--Right away, Paul caught my attention with his intriguing title.  His skillful use of repetition builds this poem’s suspense.  The emotion flows through his words, helping the reader to connect to the poet who feels he “never was.”  The rhyme flows effortlessly and the imagery helps the reader experience Paul’s remarkable verse.
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Congratulations and thank you Paul!  I appreciate all you do and have done for Whispers.

Sincerely,

Karen O’Leary, Editor

42 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Tom; your congrats are much appreciated. // paul

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    2. My congratulations to your well written poem and being poet of the month!

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    3. Thank you Gert for stopping by to read my poem and to leave encouraging comments. // paul

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  2. that's what comes of trying to reach perfection - but you're still a poet :) I enjoyed this

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    1. The urge to reach perfection cannot be denied, even if it is near to impossible to achieve...but no harm in trying! Thank you for your encouraging comments. // paul

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  3. Thank you, Isha Wagner, for the following--

    From my viewpoint, I see Paul's expressive piece of poetry as showing himself and all of us the illusions we live under in regard to our writing. We think this and we think that and even more about our work, comforting ourselves that if we can't do much else of what we consider to be worthwhile, we can at the very least write beautiful words filled to the brim with meaning and then the day dawns that all our yearnings have been in vain. But the great thing is we keep on, the human spirit unbroken with the need to express and communicate with others via our poetry. Paul Callus, you do it so well.

    Yours sincerely
    Isha Wagner

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    1. Thank you for the insightful read to my poem, Isha; you do it so well! Your lovely, positive comments are very much appreciated. // paul

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  4. Hey, you! CONGRATS! On being Poet of The Month! Also, I will say that your poem delves into the questions of insecurity which we all face from time to time. I like how you've stuck to your syllable count of 13 with each line, too. Makes the rhythm blend so perfectly! Writing is therapeutic. Writing becomes a mirror from and to our souls. It is the uniqueness of the each writer that is thrilling to see and experience - not only in unique expressions, but in how we maintain, manage and spill out through the pen - each woven word with skill and delicacy, that is so amazing! Again - CONGRATS! on the Poet of The Month! Well deserved, to be sure! Sheri / www.poetryandbeyond.net

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    1. Thank you Sheri! Your feedback, as always, takes a good look at the poem's presentation and its content. Writing is a continuous learning experience and I believe that it should be treated with love and care. It has been a pleasure reading your insightful comments. God bless. // paul

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  5. May I say a big thank you to Karen who, from the day I joined Whispers, has been so very supportive and helpful. I appreciate all the sterling work she does, putting her heart into it. Thank you for this honour which I shall always treasure. God bless.

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    1. Dear Paul,

      Thank you for your kind words and ongoing encouragement. It's such a blessing to work with talented and uplifting writers like you. Again, congratulations on your well-deserved honor.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  6. Paul,
    A great poem! Congratulations on your honor.
    ~Davidf

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed my poem, David; thank you for the congrats, too. // paul

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  7. Paul, I really enjoyed your well written poem. It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, with writing or any creative endeavor, imitation should not be what we are after but uniqueness. Your poem has a uniqueness in that you allowed your words to express vulnerability to feelings of inadequacy at times. You need never feel inadequate if this about you. You are very talented and congratulations on being named Poet of the Month; a well deserved honor.

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    1. Charlene, you are kind and sweet; your insightful comments are always a pleasure to read; you are a fount of encouragement! Thank you very much! Take care. // paul

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  8. Congratulations, Paul. You are a very talented poet.

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    1. Thank you Lavana...you are too kind! Have a lovely day. // paul

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  9. Paul,

    I enjoyed reading your very creative and expressive work..I don't think that the muse has gone or is tired and old..I am glad that I chose this as one of the ones that I could read today.

    Sara

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    1. Hi Sara! I am pleased you chose my poem and that you found it enjoyable. Thank you for the lovely comments. Take care. // paul

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  10. Thank you, David Austin, for the following--

    Congrats to Paul for this introspective piece. Love Dave Austin

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    1. Thank you Dave; your comment is much appreciated. // paul

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  11. Hi PAul. I love this poem much.. :)! wow!!!!thanks for sharing this to us,,, ! Congratulations.. :D

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    1. Hi Olive_eloi! I am so glad you decided to come and visit:) I see you enjoyed this poem...thank you and God bless. // paul

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  12. Congratulations Dad!! It seems like online poetry has really given you a boost because ideas just seem to keep flowing :)

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  13. This is a pleasant surprise visit!:) Thanks, Kirsty....yes, online poetry has rekindled my inspiration! // dad

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  14. Thank you, Robert Dufresne, for the following--

    Excellent work through and through Paul. Simply excellent.

    Bob D

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    1. Thank you Bob; your double 'excellent' comment is much appreciated. / paul

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  15. many congrats, my friend, on this well deserved honour. Awesome write, as I've come to expect from your gifted pen!

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    1. You are too kind Jack! I am honoured by your lovely comments. Have a nice weekend. // paul

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  16. Congratulations Paul, on being named the Poet of the Month here at Whispers. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Continued blessings!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

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    1. Many thanks for reading and commenting, Maurice. God bless you! // paul

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  17. Congratulations Paul:
    I am late with my wishes but am thrilled you were given this honor.
    I know we all question our writing talent and it seems poetry is a natural gift until we learn it is an art to be studied. You have done well with both- your books and your Muse.
    Hugs,
    SuZ

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    1. Thank you for the insightful comments, Suz. Reading other people's beautiful poetry can either discourage us (for we think that we'll never be able to reach those standards) or else it will help us to push onward with fresh impetus. May we go for the latter choice. Once again...thank you! // paul

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  18. Hi Paul ~ congratulations on being named Poet of the Month! Well done, your poem was both intriguing and something all writers can relate to. Excellent work! :)

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    1. I am glad you found my poem to your liking, Colleen. Thank you for the wishes and lovely 'excellent' comments. // paul

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  19. Dear Paul,

    A belated congratulations on being Poet of the Month. You are a poet who is very talented and gifted. I enjoy your poems very much and this I can really relate to as I'm sure other writers can as well. An honest very well written poem!

    Sandra

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    1. Hi Sandra! Thank you for always being so supportive; you are too kind...but, to be honest, I love your lovely complimentary comments:) Have a nice weekend. // paul

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  20. This wonderful poem 'The Poet Who Never Was' looks like this in Russian.
    ----
    НЕСОСТОЯВШИЙСЯ ПОЭТ
    (перевод с английского Г.Грановской)

    Я думал, что я поэт с пером золотым и лёгким,
    Доступны которому зрелые смелые строки.
    Я думал, могу я бродить рядом с пенистым морем с открытой душою,
    Глядя, как чайки скользят, давая бесплатное шоу.

    Я думал, что я поэт, который гуляя по пляжу,
    Остановится вдруг и замрёт в восхищенье, и руку протянет даже
    К серебряной нити, разделяющей воду и небо, всегда, неизменно,
    Запоминая лицо проходящей медленно мимо меня Селены.

    Я думал, что я поэт, который знает, какою бывает радость,
    Когда слышишь рёв летящего вниз, ликующего водопада.
    Я искал вдохновенья, ощущал безграничный восторг,
    Спускаясь в долину, поднимаясь вверх на зелёный холм.

    Я думал, что я поэт, чьи стихи – это жар и холод, и нежность
    Но утратил я искренность чувств, услышав: глупа их природная свежесть,
    Что я должен достичь совершенства, на радость уму и сердцу,
    Имитируя их. И закрылась в душе вдохновения дверца.

    Я думал, что я поэт с пером золотым и лёгким,
    Но сейчас как-то вдруг я устал, я стал стар, ослабели и строки.
    Я думал, что я поэт. Но перо моё бесполезно теперь и сродни обузе,
    Со слезами в глазах шепчу я моей подавленной музе.

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    1. Hi Galina! Yes, I believe that this is in Russian! I wonder where it was published, and who translated it! Any help? Best regards ~ paul

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    2. Wow Paul! You must have been credited for writing this poem as otherwise it Galina would have not have shared this gift with you. I am so happy for you.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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    3. Thank you, Karen. I came across this Russian translation a couple of days ago. I had not heard of Galina Granovska before, but I think she is a writer and translator. Hopefully she will come back to me! Regards // paul

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